Sinn Féin - On Your Side

New Belfast - New York air route will have huge benefits

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has
welcomed the announcement that Continental Airlines will begin direct air
route between Belfast and New York by June 2005.

Mr McLaughlin said:

"Opening up this route can bring thousands more visitors to the six
counties. It has the potential to support the development of our tourist
industry, to attract inward investment and to support economic growth.

"It is good to see a number of organisations, including NITB, Tourism
Ireland, Invest NI subsidiary Air Route Development Ltd and DETI along with
the International Airport and Continental Airlines working together to
achieve this result

"It is vital that we now get a regional transport strategy in place that
maximises the benefits of expanding air travel routes beyond the Belfast
Metropolitan Area and brings people up to Derry, into Fermanagh and Tyrone,
down to Armagh and on across the border to the rest of Ireland.

"Investment in our transport infrastructure, particularly in our rail and
public transport networks, in a way that links us together with the rest of
Ireland is essential if we are to make the most out of developments such as
this." ENDS